National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service:  U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
Big Bend National ParkRoad into the Desert
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
Big Bend National Park
Pine Canyon roadside campsites

Four campsites are located along the Pine Canyon Road, a short road accessed from the Glenn Spring Road.

 
Site Name PC-1 PC-2 PC-3 PC-4
Vehicles 2 2 1 2
Persons 6 6 4 4
Horses no no no no
 

How to Get There
The Pine Canyon campsites are located along the Pine Canyon Road via the Glenn Spring Road. The Pine Canyon Road begins 2.3 miles from the junction of the Glenn Spring Road and the main road to Rio Grande Village. The Pine Canyon Road is 4.2 miles in length. PC-1 and PC-2 are adjacent sites located only 0.7 mile up the Pine Canyon Road. PC-3 is 2.0 miles and PC-4 is 3.75 miles up the road

Usual Road Conditions
The Glenn Spring Road and Pine Canyon Road are maintained for high-clearance vehicles ONLY. Please do NOT attempt these roads with a normal passenger car. Deep arroyos, and heavy ruts are the norm. After heavy rains, these roads may become heavily rutted and possibly flooded. Always check with a ranger for current conditions. Ruts are the norm on this road. Ask a Park Ranger for the latest road conditions.
Current road conditions...

Ground Cover/Shade
None available. Thicker vegetation occurs as you the farther up the canyon you drive. The thickest vegetation is found near PC-4.

Views
Good view of the Chisos Mountains from all campsites, especially PC-1,2,and 3. Views of Crown Mountain to the south of the road. The entire Pine Canyon area and the Pine Canyon Trail are very scenic. At the end of the road (near PC-4), a trail continues for two miles up-canyon and ends at the base of a high pour-off that becomes a fantastic waterfall after rains.

River Access
None. 

Cautionary Notes
The road can deteriorate rapidly after rain. High clearance vehicles are highly recommended at all times, and 4-wheel drive may sometimes be necessary, especially after rain.

Hikers using the Pine Canyon Trail (day-use only) will park their vehicles at the end of the road in the designated parking area. Lock and secure your vehicle and valuables while you are away from your campsite.

Remarks
The Pine Canyon #4 Campsite was relocated March, 2002 in order to alleviate parking congestion at the trailhead area. The current location is down the Pine Canyon Road approximately .5 miles.

At the end of the Pine Canyon Road a gate closes the road. The Pine Canyon Trail begins at this point. There is no overnight camping allowed at the trailhead parking area.

A backcountry use permit is required (available at visitor centers). Campers are responsible for regulations listed on the permit. Camping is in designated sites for minimal impact on the surrounding vegetation.

 
 
The landslide is clearly visible for miles  

Did You Know?
The landscape of Big Bend National Park appears to lie stable and quiet, yet the relentless force of erosion continues to wear down the mountains. In 1987 the late evening silence was shattered by a rumbling rockslide, heard for miles. A large scar on the Santiago Mountains marks the spot.
more...

Last Updated: March 02, 2007 at 17:27 EST